Inside the Writers Room with BREAKING BAD

Inside the Writers Room with BREAKING BAD: Glen Mazzara (former WALKING DEAD showrunner) chats about the creation of what some consider the greatest television show of all time with (from left to right) creator Vince Gilligan and writers Moira Walley-Beckett, Sam Catlin, Peter Gould, Thomas Schauz, Gennifer Hutchison and George Mastras.

[@ignatiusjackson235]

"Mystery is good. Confusion is bad." - Vince Gilligan

[@e2theoc]

Why is Vince so adorable and yet makes the most violent, amazing tv lol.

[@dibidus6080]

Because we all have a good "normal" side and the ability to imagine and for some people do crazy "evil" things. It's all about knowing yourself and having a control over your own actions and life.

[@saiashwin26]

@@dibidus6080 I think its more that we are all attracted stuff we usually cant experience. Like kids are kinda powerless in our society hence their attraction towards superheros who are anything but powerless.

[@ballsrgrossnugly]

Down here in Australia we have a saying: It's the quiet ones you gotta watch. EDIT: That applies to a pack of wild kangas or a group of wild humans.

[@HSNBRG420]

the most violent? there other shows that definitely are more violent^^

[@UkeRebuke]

Its the same way when you watch an interview with Stephen King vs read one of his books. They must vent all their evil onto the page lol.

[@reaktorleak89]

After hearing them talking about taking your time and not chasing “what needs to happen next,” but rather “what would this character do and where is there head at?”, I finally understand why Season 8 of Game of Thrones felt so rushed and illogical.

[@jordyundieground3270]

Amen brother dude maaaaaan im about two things in life. A. Good characters in fiction and B. Hey buddy, why dont you SEE A

[@19RaxR91]

...or why Dexter slowly became braindead due to the changing of the showrunner to Scott Buck, who incidentally Also _ran_ the least favorite 1st season of All the Marvel Netflix series for Iron Fist. I mean, Could there be a pattern...?

[@Drewitall54]

Or it’s because the writes of game of thrones actually had to write because the original author hadn’t come out with the final book yet

[@19RaxR91]

@@Drewitall54 Or maybe its because the showrunners WERE offered to time to break the resolution with the appropriate time needed to develop the characters believably, but the duo, for some absolutely moronic reason, decided to squash a story arc worth exploring for at least 2 seasons into 6 episodes - does that sound reasonable to you? Lets face it, the guys were tired and to call what they did "phoning in" is an understatement, because while Some of the episodes were really great upon first watchthrough, in retrospect the surrounding mess is what detracts from the actually sparse moments of quality high quality tension building associated with the series glory days.

[@isaiahromero9861]

And now, only 2 episodes left and this show has proved that having the right pacing can payoff in huge ways, this writing must have taken so much patience and restraint, but it was executed perfectly so far, but Id say the chances of a game of thrones level ending are almost impossible

[@josephdtin]

you can definitely see the amazing family dynamic they had in the writers room.

[@oblonghilfiger3583]

The key to great shows and movies imo.

[@carsonottocullen1542]

I can’t believe this only has 61k views... this is incredible, these writers are amazing!! also I would watch a 2 hour documentary on Vince Gilligans life! He’s soo fascinating and makes me want to follow and Pursue writing more seriously!!

[@musicgearnetwork]

This is a great interview. Glen is a friend of mine and I remember he shared a story with me about when he was filming his new show "Damien". Scott Wilson (RIP) Herschel from The Walking Dead was in it as well. At the end of an evening of filming Damien, both Glen and Scott would sit at the end of the bed in one of their hotel rooms and watch Breaking Bad episodes together. It was a very cool story.

[@bennyvee88]

3:10 That Introduction though! LOL Perfect! It's refreshing to see a moderator like Mr. Mazzara.

[@alexplays8640]

I live for these interviews

[@thecentralscrutinizer5105]

I was school mates with Vince in early grade school K-7, J.P Wynne Campus School, Longwood Va 23909

[@RealHealthyGuidance]

Ok...

[@theorose9802]

When was that?

[@thecentralscrutinizer5105]

@@theorose9802 school started in 1970, I believe it ceased to be JP Wynne around 1977-78

[@thecentralscrutinizer5105]

@@RealHealthyGuidance Roger, Over & out

[@altafkalam2716]

@@thecentralscrutinizer5105 So that is why Walt's school is also named JP Wynne High School. Vince has borrowed a lot of names from people in his life for the show. Ehrmantraut, Lambert, are all names of people in his life.

[@xxxafterglow]

This is my dream writer's room. I'ma get there one day.

[@DrGigglesComedy]

So great - I am fascinated by the writing process for this show

[@marilynmanord1790]

Breaking Bad is absolutely perfect. It will always be my favorite show. Walter White will always be favorite character. This show came together absolutely perfectly. There truly is nothing else like it.

[@vipersb1]

Can you imagine how great Game Of Thrones could have been with a writing team like this? Let's get this team to rewrite seasons 5-X and reshoot it.

[@tmac8892]

Interviewers should be like refs at sporting events: they do their best work when you hardly notice them

[@mikeysaint4368]

I agree. Instead of sharp, concise questions he rambles and interjects as if it's all about him.

[@19RaxR91]

@@mikeysaint4368 I think its somewhat the point, which was echoed by Vince himself - writers are Filled with ego, that they constantly wrestle with, and hopefully let go of through their writing. What else IS Breaking Bad if not a story about a guy who finally _gave in_ to the temptations of making Everything about himself after taking shit from everybody for the past 20 years, or in other words, one Hell of a midlife crisis - just the thing that inspired Vince to make the show. Besides, providing comic relief is a pretty strategic way to keep All of the audience engaged, which imo proves how Stand-Up is quite an underrated art-form when it comes to the liberty of saying anything you like, as long as you make the audience feel cheerful through occasional laughter, or even the shortest of snorts... I mean, not all of this ^Hosts punchlines landed as well as he thought they would, but all in all the guy was a quite decent moderator, and one of the reasons is because he knows the Interesting questions to ask, due to the fact he himself is a writer.

[@santinohp7107]

priceless interview

[@Penzy241]

The way this is filmed takes so much away from the enjoyment of it. Everyone's in silhouette as if they were disguised criminals confessing on a cheap talk show. A shame because this gathering of the best writers of our generation deserves better.

[@rebeccahopkins9522]

They should have had Vince direct it. Then it would be perfect 👌👍

[@anildamodaran]

Shows how much budget writers get for their showcase moments versus actors, directors. Shame, really! Thankfully, the audio is great.

[@VardaoftheStars]

It’s just the fact that they are backlit by the silver screen. But you can tell theyre writers... if there were a gaffer around they would have been shocked. Lmao 😂 They need a fill light desperately, and a closer shot! I get not wanting to shoot in front of the audience but a close up side angle shot would have been way more effective.

[@mlrdmn]

Yes!! Thank you!!!

[@mwm1145]

Mailer Daemon you’re welcome

[@robertm.8608]

Best show ever written!!!!!! Hated to see it end.

[@mearajoynorice5195]

Always time to say goodbye….life is beginnings & endings. Job well done. Reflection of what May happen with control & surrender🪶

[@Rdrdnghd77]

I feel so passed my time........watching this makes me feel like i've found my missing family. Fucking writers...yeah

[@cjware316]

+Rdrdnghd77 Never too late to do what you really love.

[@marinasimon]

We do have a sence of community watching the show on netflix! We recommend it to friends and we talk about it for years. We watch it many times and we meet to watch it. It is an enhanced experience.

[@seen921]

I love watching this stuff. Inside all their minds and how "fly by the seat of their pants" that some of their decisions are made. And Glenn is freakin hilarious.

[@limboremedy6912]

Glen the host is great!

[@absolutejohnarchy6804]

Amazing human beings

[@benkata]

Glenn's hilarious

[@ignatiusjackson235]

1:08 - Damn, that's a brilliant insight!!

[@basstian]

So many bright minds!

[@puppetri]

23:11 Sam Catlin’s Wendy line mishap 40:25 Peter Gould exclaiming in the writers room

[@damislav]

This is really fun.

[@VardaoftheStars]

This is gonna be me one day you guys you mark my words. Lighting was atrocious but I expect nothing less from the writers guild x) LOL Party in a graveyard!? 😩 OMFG goals af.

[@dueyeastwood]

I truly wish you well. I’m a writer too. Good luck!

[@Ahiru77]

Glenn is awesome!

[@ClaudioLichtenthal]

Geniuses!

[@KimTownsel]

What a fun room! 😁

[@stevekatz4372]

IMO, The Best Ever TV Series, No Argument Here!

[@suso986]

Genios

[@ytubeanon]

this is the type of video I most wanted to see related to Breaking Bad... ultimate fans must also watch 'No Half Measures' the Making of the Final Season DVD Extra documentary

[@stwansomebodyelse9749]

1:10:36 - The best question

[@stevebailey5591]

I'm sure there was a 1972 episode of 'Hawaii 5-0' which had a story line about a chemistry teacher who sets up a drug lab - it wasn't a great episode but I always wondered if VG had ever seen it.

[@timothylarkin4916]

Interesting, I’m surprised I haven’t heard about that before. I’d like to know that also

[@joemorris6]

Haha wow this was great. Expected more procedural explanations but this was more fun.

[@atiqgrde8597]

Can some one please clarify what the women says at 31.10 ..after she says " we had a mantra " ..we would ask ..what is the mantra ?? Cant hear her

[@bliztix2]

Hey those mics you are holding, use them.

[@PlayNiceFolks]

The Strain (the show that Jenny there said she was working on, toward the end of this video). If you like horror, watch it. It's not a near perfect show (like Breaking Bad), but, it is easily the best show within that genre.

[@Jimbo4327]

I know this is old now, but do these people not know how to use a mic. Talk into the mic.... So we can hear you..... Great show

[@PlayNiceFolks]

Nice

[@noodlehat3250]

The show seems to be written by the group but the credits at the beginning of the show list only one writer

[@MegaGamer1006]

There is a staff of writers that break the stories together (i.e general arcs of characters, story beats, character motivations, ect.) and then each episode is given to a particular writer who turns those ideas and plot beats into a script with stage direction and dialogue. That is who is credited on each episode.

[@danielyoung6630]

LONE GUNMEN SERIES SO UNDERRATED

[@mikeysaint4368]

"Umm, aah.. whu, whu what was your motivation...?" How did this guy get the moderator's job?

[@OliverWitherspoon]

QUESTIONS - for TV PILOT SCRIPT: 1. What is the best type of action moment to put right at the mid-point in a pilot? What has to happen here? Either: a.) something that shakes or changes the protagonist's world, or b.) something about the plot/theme that changes? 2. Did breaking bad have a season "bible" when it was originally pitched or just a pilot script? 3. Where in a pilot - what act - is the best for showing a character change? (arch). The normal life change to a new reality? Act 1 to Act 2, or Act 2 to Act 3? 4. Is it bad if I'm still showing "normal life" in act two? Or should the transition from Act 1 to Act 2 be the spot where the Protagonist's life changes to reveal the plot or theme? I have an action Teaser at the front of the script to draw people in, but I have a lot to establish in the "normal world" in the beginning to wind up the show and I'm having a hard time condensing it without leaving a gaps. Thank you!!

[@OliverWitherspoon]

Okay, thank you.

[@timothylarkin4916]

So you’re asking the dude who posted the video these questions.

[@puffwad]

Good host.

[@beenis9842]

Very funny how the guy who wrote what is probably the most notoriously over-continued show of all time is interviewing the people that wrote one of the most famous endings of all time because they knew when to stop for the good of the show.

[@lordmelvin9310]

The guy interviewing only wrote for the first two seasons.

[@gingermosley5631]

Watching it again, I see Walt going crazy and I am getting more angry with him for his kills.

[@orangewarm1]

+Ginger Mosley he only made mistakes twice: Mike and Jane

[@knurdyob]

you're delusional

[@mr.anitabonghit]

1:05:47

[@kennyrockymcmb6137]

I love it because it has a massage

[@cjware316]

+Kenny Rock YMCMB What did you take away from it?

[@orangewarm1]

+Kenny Rock YMCMB yeah, sometimes i have a massage

[@mwm1145]

I love a nice massage

[@blahblahblahblahbla2705]

Happy ending?

[@viathejar]

I just wanted to hear his views on purple latex - came away disappointed

[@DC3328]

They were about to answer what really happened between Gretchen and Walt and then she asked about Walt Jr??

[@madhavsanap6690]

I mean they don't want to be dead, don't they ?

[@_._.-]

4:28 - 57:59 -

[@gwenlanter4243]

What's a writing room? D:

[@Ahiru77]

lol, shame on you. :)

[@gwenlanter4243]

Ahiru77 Someone's a rich Bostonian! LOL In Indiana we might have a mud room in the house but if someone said they were adding a writing room, we'd just turn to each other & say, "Well, whacha writin' for?" :P So, do you have a funny accent? I love those.

[@timothylarkin4916]

Let’s open a joint checking account together

[@hatstick312]

season 1 was gonna end with tuco shooting steve gomez? why TF is nobody talking about this?

[@hatstick312]

15:16

[@WhitbyStuff]

Doesn't writers (sic) have an apostrophe?

[@MrLiam241]

Depends whether it's plural or possessive, and I guess in this case it's plural, right?

[@UkeRebuke]

The writers are a part of the Guild, but they do not own the guild. It is a guild of writers, not the writers' guild. If that makes sense. English is stupid.

[@brrjohnson8131]

Like Attorneys General, they are multiple (plural) "attorneys" not Generals.

[@mikeysaint4368]

@@UkeRebuke Ownership isn't required. A possessive apotrophe can apply in many contexts. For example "He was Brenda's best friend." Brenda doesn't own her best friend unless her friend also happens to be her slave.

[@BrooklynHudson]

On the topic of all the hate thrown at "Skyler". They wrote her character as such a friggin nag. From episode one, she was so groan worthy, even before she knew what Walt was up to. In real life, a wife will more often defend and protect her husband, at least at first; though, perhaps later, walk away or even turn on him eventually. We see it all the time, even in abuse cases. She just turned on Walt too quickly. Where as Gus and the other characters who were impediments to Walt, we could understand it. They had opposing agendas, it was fun to watch Walt win (hopefully). If we weren't in support of Walt, we would have stopped watching. Skyler didn't understand Walt... the audience did. Stop writing wives as such nags! That goes for many shows, including Dexter. The Sopranos did it right with Carmella. She had her opinions, but she reacted more realistically to Tony. All this said, Gilligan is my idol. He's brilliant!

[@robertm.8608]

I TOTALY AGREE !!!!!

[@ronaldzeigler8073]

X. By

[@lexstratus]

Worst Sound Man EVER !!! Mic levels are all over the place,,,,,,

[@thatONEmachine]

Working at a gas station? Has he watched the show?

[@morganfry3260]

I can't stand this moderator.

[@morganfry3260]

He ruined the whole dialogue.

[@aranmolloy6808]

Who

[@veritas6335]

How anyone considers Breaking Bad the "best tv series of all time" is beyond understanding. It is a violent, grisly, gruesome tale about worthless no goods that deal drugs and it has no redeeming social value whatsoever. The.characters are unpleasant, worthless trash, they are unattractive and unlikeable and the only likeable characters in the piece are killed off. What is to like about this? It speaks to the worst instincts of the audience. Of course it grabs people's attention - because of the disgustingly horrifying violence. That's all it has going for it.

[@scorch4299]

the show was okay. overrated tho.

[@aishah7730]

1:24:20